As the primary care landscape evolves, local polyclinics, like the recently opened Sembawang Polyclinic, are adapting to become more than just treatment centres. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung emphasises the integration of primary and preventive care, moving beyond the conventional definition of healthcare.
Polyclinics are no longer standalone entities but actively engage with communities to foster ongoing care, support healthier lifestyles, and contribute to the broader Healthier SG initiative.
Comprehensive Care Services at Sembawang Polyclinic
Sembawang Polyclinic, a representative of Singapore’s 25 existing polyclinics, offers a comprehensive range of services categorised into acute, chronic, mother and child, and preventive care. Acute care addresses immediate health concerns, incorporating lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chronic care, a significant portion of visits, streamlines the process for patients with diabetes and high blood pressure. A unique joint service model ensures mothers and children receive simultaneous care, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
Evolving Approach to Preventive Healthcare
Singapore’s healthcare model is shifting towards preventive measures, with polyclinics playing a pivotal role. Services such as Pap smears, mammograms, and free or subsidised vaccinations under the National Adult Immunization Schedule are now commonplace.
Sembawang Polyclinic takes this commitment further with its dedicated Health and Wellness Studio. This versatile space hosts wellness programs, including cooking classes and yoga sessions, showcasing a commitment to proactive healthcare and community involvement.
Polyclinics as Community Catalysts
Polyclinics are no longer mere healthcare facilities but are emerging as catalysts for community-wide well-being. The integrated approach of Sembawang Polyclinic reflects a paradigm shift where the lines between primary and preventive care blur.
With a commitment to empowering individuals, these facilities are equipping communities with the tools and knowledge to take charge of their health in novel and unexpected ways. As the Healthier SG initiative takes root, Sembawang Polyclinic stands as a model for other regions to reference, encouraging a holistic and community-centred approach to healthcare.
Image from Woodlands Community on Facebook
A Holistic Healthcare Revolution
The evolution of primary care, exemplified by Sembawang Polyclinic and its counterparts across Singapore, marks a transformative shift in the healthcare paradigm. Beyond the traditional role of treating illnesses, these polyclinics have become hubs of holistic care, embodying primary and preventive healthcare principles.
As we witness the unfolding of this healthcare revolution, the local polyclinic becomes more than a medical institution – it becomes a cornerstone for fostering healthier communities. Through continuous collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to community well-being, these polyclinics are steering Singapore towards a future where health is not merely a response to illness but a collective endeavour to build resilience, vitality, and enduring well-being.
